Rock, paper, scissors … shoot. We've all played the game as a child and an adult, but did you know there's an easy way to increase your odds of winning. All you have to do is close your eyes.

According to Richard Cook of University College London, our brain can't resist the urge to imitate others. When we choose rock, paper or scissors, our selection is often tainted by those around us.

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If you close your eyes, though, you will gesture first and often win the round. Sighted players will gesture 200 milliseconds after their blindfolded counterparts and may be influenced by others. Cook tested this theory on 45 adults who played the classic child's game for experiment sake. [New Scientist; Shutterstock/Bradipoo]

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